| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:New River Taxi Service at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter | |
| Posted by: | Rosemary Torrington | |
| Date/Time: | 18/04/07 20:24:00 |
| John, the timetable can be found at www.thamesexecutivecharters.com and is displayed on the pier at WRQ. There are additional services from Blackfriars to the piers to the east and to Canary Wharf. Details are available at www.tfl.gov.uk. The owner of the river taxi service estimates 38 minutes on the high speed catamaran and 45 minutes on the existing boats. The number of stops have implications for the timing. Thames Executive Charters are refitting, refurbishing and relicensing a high-speed catamaran that seats 55 and will run additional services from Putney to Blackfriars via Embankment, Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Harbour at 8am and 9am from Putney and at 8.05 and 9.05am from WRQ so we will have 4 morning services and 3 evening return services to Putney and WRQ. A fourth boat is planned for the end of the year. The high-speed catamaran should be ready in 4-5 weeks' time. The 7.30am MV Henley is already operating from Putney, has capacity for 90 and regularly takes around 40 passengers. The 6.25am MV John Herriot has capacity for 26, is faster, and usually takes around 6 people. The WRQ service is now up and running and took 14 passengers yesterday morning. A good take up of these services will provide a persuasive case for more frequent services and funding from third parties. The developer has spent £100k on the pier and moorings at WRQ so far. Other improvements include an electronic live departure board provided by TfL and a notice board with timetables and tide-tables. Further investment by the WRQ developer is planned in September to dredge the WRQ pier to enable river taxis to dock at the lowest tides. The dredging has to avoid the traditional spawning smelt in the Thames at Wandsworth over the summer months. |